Recess light fixture adapter and method

ABSTRACT

A recess light fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture in an existing ceiling or a wall comprises an interior member for mounting against the interior surface of a ceiling or a wall, an exterior member for mounting against the exterior surface of a ceiling or a wall, and fasteners for interconnecting the interior member and the exterior member with respect to the ceiling or a wall.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to recess light fixture adapters, and moreparticularly to recess light fixture adapters for mounting a recesslight fixture in an existing ceiling or wall having an over-sizedopening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the recesslight fixture adapter according to the present invention, as to itsstructure, organization, use and method of operation, together withfurther objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understoodfrom the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only, and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a prior art recessed light installed in aceiling;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 of the opening in theexisting ceiling used to accommodate the prior art recessed light ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the recesslight fixture adapter according to the present invention installed inthe over-sized opening in the existing ceiling, of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken. along sectionline 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the exterior plate of the recess lightfixture adapter of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the exterior plate of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the exterior plateof FIG. 5, taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the interior plate of the recess lightfixture adapter of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the interior plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the interior plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the interior plateof FIG. 8, taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 4,but prior to the recess light fixture adapter being installed in theopening;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 12,but with the interior plate about to be installed;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 13,but with the interior plate partially installed;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 14,but with the interior plate installed;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 15,but additionally with the exterior plate about to be installed;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 16,but with the exterior plate in place and with the threaded fastenersabout to engage the exterior plate and the interior plate;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 17,but with the threaded fasteners in place and the recess light fixtureadapter fully installed;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 18,but with a recess light fixture about to be installed in the recesslight fixture adapter;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 19,but with the recess light fixture partially installed in the recesslight fixture adapter;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 20,but with the recess light fixture fully installed in the recess lightfixture adapter;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a firstalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according tothe present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a secondalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according tothe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a thirdalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according tothe present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the fourth alternative embodiment ofthe recess light fixture adapter according to the present inventioninstalled in the over-sized opening in an existing ceiling;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view from the top of the interior plate of thefourth alternative embodiment recess light fixture adapter of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the interior plate of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the interior plateof FIG. 26, taken along section line 28-28;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view of aportion of the interior plate shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the interior plate of the fourthalternative embodiment recess light fixture adapter of FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the exterior plate of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the exterior plate of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the exterior plate of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional front elevational view of the exteriorplate of FIG. 30, taken along section line 34-34 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged cross-sectional front elevational view of theexterior plate of FIG. 30, taken along section line 35-35 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged cross-sectional front elevational view of theexterior plate of FIG. 30, taken along section line 36-36 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional front elevational view of theexterior plate of FIG. 30, taken along section line 37-37 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the fifth alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention,but showing only the exterior plate;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view the fifth alternative embodiment ofthe recess light fixture adapter of FIG. 38, installed in the over-sizedopening in an existing ceiling;

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the sixth alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the seventh alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention,with the posts in a stored configuration;

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 41, but with theposts in an in-use configuration;

FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the eighth alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the ninth alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the tenth alternative embodimentof the recess light fixture adapter according to the present invention;and

FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the eleventh alternativeembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according to the presentinvention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recess light fixtures are installed in the ceilings of many residentialbasements and homes, offices, and many other commercial buildings. Overthe past several years, such recess light fixtures commonly have beenabout five or six inches in diameter. Such a prior art recess lightfixture installed in a ceiling is shown in FIG. 1.

More recently, relatively compact recess light fixtures having adiameter of about two inches, three inches, four inches, or four and oneeighth inches, or essentially any size less than five inches, havebecome common, and are replacing the older style wider diameter recesslight fixtures. As a result, once the older style six inch diameterrecessed lights are removed from ceiling, an over-sized opening exists.However, an opening in the ceiling that accommodates a six inch diameterrecess light fixture will not properly accommodate a four or four andone half inch diameter recess light fixture. Accordingly, the openingmust be altered, filled in, or changed in some manner. If the ceiling isa plaster ceiling, the ceiling must be partially reconstructed andreplastered, and then repainted, as appropriate, which is a nuisance andalso relatively expensive. Indeed, the cost and inconvenience aresignificant deterrent to replacing older recess light fixtures withnewer recess light fixtures.

Currently, there is no known means in the prior art to mount a recesslight fixture into an existing ceiling having an existing over-sizedopening. The closest relevant prior art will now be discussed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,677 issued Nov. 17, 1998 to Conners et al, disclosesa Retrofit Compact Flourescent Lamp System that comprises a reflectorunit adapting to be installed into an existing light fixture. Thereflector unit provides an improved environment for distribution oflight from a compact flourescent lamp. A light fixture is inserted intoan opening in a ceiling that encloses a compact flourescent lamp andreflector unit for the compact flourescent lamp.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,280 issued Nov. 21, 2000, to Quiogue et al,discloses a Method and Apparatus for Retrofitting Canopy LuminaireAssemblies. An existing light fixture is removed and housing bracketsare attached to the housing flanges of the existing canopy housing. Anadapter plate comprising a plate with a deck plate bracket having alatch, is mounted to the housing brackets by use of the latch. Alighting assembly comprising a light source, a lens, and a reflector, isattached to the adapter plate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a recess lightfixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into an existingceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a recess lightfixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into an existingceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, wherein anotherrecess light fixture has been removed from the opening.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a recesslight fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into anexisting ceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, whichrecess light fixture adapter is easy to install.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a recesslight fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into anexisting ceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, whichrecess light fixture adapter is inexpensive to manufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a recesslight fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into anexisting ceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, whichrecess light fixture adapter precludes the reconstruction of a plasterceiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel recess light fixture adapter for mounting a recesslight fixture in an existing ceiling or a wall having an existingoversized opening. The recess light fixture adapter comprises aninterior member for mounting against the interior surface of a ceilingor a wall, an exterior member for mounting against the exterior surfaceof a ceiling or a wall, and means for interconnecting the interiormember and the exterior member with respect to the ceiling or a wall.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel method of mounting a recess light fixture in anexisting ceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, themethod comprising the steps of mounting an interior member against theinterior surface of a ceiling or a wall; mounting an exterior memberagainst the exterior surface of a ceiling or a wall; and interconnectingthe interior member and the exterior member with respect to the ceilingor a wall.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedherein below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 46 of the drawings, it will be noted thatFIG. 1 illustrates a prior at recess light fixture, FIG. 2 illustratesthe opening in the existing ceiling used to accommodate the prior artrecessed light of FIG. 1, FIGS. 3 through 21 illustrate a preferredembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of the present invention,FIG. 22 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the recess lightfixture adapter of the present invention, FIG. 23 illustrates a secondalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of thepresent invention, FIG. 24 illustrates a third alternative embodiment ofthe recess light fixture adapter of the present invention, FIGS. 25through 37 illustrate a fourth alternative embodiment of the recesslight fixture adapter of the present invention, FIGS. 38 and 39illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment of the recess light fixtureadapter of the present invention, FIG. 40 illustrates a sixthalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of thepresent invention, FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a seventh alternativeembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of the present invention,FIG. 43 illustrates an eighth alternative embodiment of the recess lightfixture adapter of the present invention, FIG. 44 illustrates a ninthalternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of thepresent invention, FIG. 45 illustrates a tenth alternative embodiment ofthe recess light fixture adapter of the present invention, and FIG. 46illustrates an eleventh alternative embodiment of the recess lightfixture adapter of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 21, to describe in detaila preferred embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter of thepresent invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. Theceiling 24 may be a plaster ceiling or a drop ceiling, and the wall canbe a plaster wall or a drywall type of wall. The recess light fixtureadapter 20, is for mounting a recess light fixture 22 in an existingceiling 24 or a wall having an existing over-sized opening 26. For thesake of convenience, the ceiling 24 will be referred to in thisdescription. The existing over-sized opening 26 is typically the resultof a larger diameter fixture being removed from the ceiling 24, but mayalso be the result of an opening being cut too large.

Briefly, the preferred embodiment recess light fixture adapter 20comprises interior plate 30 that is disposed behind the ceiling 24, andan exterior plate that is disposed on the outer surface of the ceiling24. First and second threaded fasteners 51,52 interconnect the interiormember 30 and the exterior member 60. The recess light fixture adapter20 will now be described in detail.

The recess light fixture adapter 20 comprises an interior member formounting against the interior surface of a ceiling 24 or a wall. In thepreferred embodiment, as illustrated, the interior member comprises theinterior plate 30. The interior plate 30 has a perimeter edge 32, anupper surface 34, a lower surface 36, and an interior fixture receivingaperture 38 disposed therein. The interior fixture receiving aperture 38is shown as circular in shape, but may also be any other suitable shape.The recess light fixture 22 that is to be mounted in the wall or ceiling24 passes through the interior fixture receiving aperture 38.

The interior plate 30 is flexible, and is preferably made from a strongmaterial such as various metals (such as aluminum or steel), plastic,any suitable material or materials.

The interior plate 30 further comprises a slit 40 defined by first andsecond opposed edges 42,44. The slit 40 extends from the perimeter edge32 of the interior plate 30 to the interior fixture receiving aperture38 of the interior plate 30.

The interior plate 30 further comprises first and second aperturereinforcements secured to the upper surface of the interior plate 30.The first and second aperture reinforcements 46,48 are preferably madefrom a suitable metal material, for the purposes of strength anddurability, but also may be made from a suitable plastic material, orany other suitable material. If the first and second aperturereinforcements 46,48, and the interior plate 30 are all made from asuitable metal material, the first and second aperture reinforcements46,48 are each secured to the interior plate 30 preferably by means of ametal stake 54,56 and also by welding, as illustrated. If the first andsecond aperture reinforcements 46,48, and the interior plate 30 are allmade from a suitable plastic material, they may all be integrallymoulded in one piece.

The interior plate 30 has first and second threaded apertures 57,58 forreceiving the co-operating threaded fasteners 51,52 therein. The firstand second threaded apertures 57,58 also extend through the first andsecond aperture reinforcements 46,48, respectively.

The exterior member 60 of the recess light fixture adapter 20 is formounting against the exterior surface of the ceiling 24. In thepreferred embodiment, as illustrated, the exterior member 60 comprisesthe circular exterior plate 60. The exterior plate 60 has a perimeteredge 62, an upper surface 64, a lower surface 66, and an exteriorfixture receiving aperture 68 disposed therein. The exterior fixturereceiving aperture 68 is shown as circular in shape, but may also be anyother suitable shape. The recess light fixture 22 that is to be mountedin the wall or ceiling 24 passes through the exterior fixture receivingaperture 68.

The exterior plate 60 comprises first and second apertures 70,72 thereinfor receiving co-operating first and second threaded fasteners 51,52therethrough, respectively, which threaded fasteners 51,52 extend to thefirst and second threaded apertures 57,58 of the interior plate 30.

When the interior plate 30 and the exterior plate 60 are in place in theceiling 24, the interior fixture receiving aperture 38 of the interiorplate 30 and the exterior fixture receiving aperture 68 of the exteriorplate 60 are substantially aligned one with the other so as to permit arecess light fixture 22 that is to be mounted in the wall or ceiling 24to pass therethrough.

There is also means for interconnecting the interior member 30 and theexterior member 60 in clamping relation with respect to the ceiling 24.In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the means forinterconnecting the interior member 30 and the exterior member 60 inclamping relation comprises the first and second threaded fasteners51,52.

In use, the interior member 30, specifically the interior plate 30 asillustrated, is mounted against the interior surface 24 i of the ceiling24, as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12 through 15. FIG.12 shows an existing ceiling 24 having an existing opening 26 from whicha old style six inch diameter recess light fixture (FIG. 1) has beenremoved in favour of a smaller diameter recess light fixture 22.Relative to the smaller diameter recess light fixture 22, the opening 26(FIG. 2) is an over-sized opening 26, and the smaller diameter recesslight fixture 22 cannot be mounted therein without the use of the recesslight fixture adapter 20 according to the present invention.

As indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 13, the exterior member 60,specifically the exterior plate 60, is introduced to the over-sizedopening 26 in the ceiling 24. The flexible exterior plate 60 is thenelastically deformed such that the by first and second opposed edges42,44 that define the slit 40 are separated one from the other. Asindicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 14, one of the first and second opposededges 42,44, and in this case the first opposed edge 42, is introducedabove the ceiling 24. The exterior plate 60 is then “spiralled” inwardlyand upwardly until the exterior plate 60 has been passed through theover-sized opening 26, even though the interior plate 30 itself is widerthan the over-sized opening 26. As can be best seen in FIG. 15, theinterior plate 30 is then mounted against the interior surface 24 i ofthe ceiling 24.

The exterior plate 60 is then introduced to the ceiling 24, as indicatedby arrow “C” in FIG. 16, and mounted against the exterior surface 24 eof the ceiling 24, as can be best seen in FIG. 17. The interior fixturereceiving aperture 38 and the exterior fixture receiving aperture 68must be aligned one with the other. Further, the first aperture 70 ofthe exterior plate 60 and the first threaded aperture 57 of the interiorplate 30 must be aligned one with the other, and the second aperture 72of the exterior plate 60 and the second threaded aperture 58 of theinterior plate 30 must be aligned one with the other.

The means for interconnecting the interior member and the exteriormember 60 in clamping relation, specifically the first and secondthreaded fasteners 51,52 as illustrated, are introduced to the exteriorplate 60, as indicated by arrows “D” in FIG. 17. The first and secondthreaded fasteners 51,52 are first inserted into the first and secondapertures 70,72 of the exterior plate 60, and then threadibly engagedinto the first and second threaded apertures 57,58 of the interior plate30. As can be best seen in FIG. 18, the first and second threadedfasteners 51,52 are turned until the interior plate 30 is brought intoclamping engagement with the interior surface of the ceiling 24 and theexterior plate 60 is brought into clamping engagement with the exteriorsurface of the ceiling 24. Accordingly, the means for interconnectingthe interior member and the exterior member 60 in clamping relation,namely the first and second threaded fasteners 51,52, are used tointerconnect the interior member and the exterior member 60 in clampingrelation with respect to the ceiling 24.

Finally, as indicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 19, the recess light fixture22 is introduced to the recess light fixture adapter 20 that has beeninstalled in the over-sized opening 26 in the ceiling 24. As can be bestseen in FIG. 20, the recess light fixture 22 is passed through theexterior fixture receiving aperture 68 and then through the interiorfixture receiving aperture 38, until it is properly mounted in place inthe recess light fixture adapter 20. Depending on the specific recesslight fixture 22, the securing of the recess light fixture 22 in placemay happen in any one of a number of ways. As illustrated, the two armsare bent into an installed shape so as to retain the recess lightfixture in place. Other methods and structures are alternatively used toretain the recess light fixture in place depending on the manufacturerof the recess light fixture.

Further, in the above described manner, the present invention alsoprovides a method of mounting a recess light fixture 22 in an existingceiling 24.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 22, which shows a first alternativeembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according to the presentinvention, as indicated by general reference numeral 120. The firstalternative embodiment recess light fixture adapter 120 is similar tothe preferred embodiment recess light fixture adapter 20 except that themeans for interconnecting the interior member 130 and the exteriormember 160 in clamping relation comprises first and second springmembers 151,152. Accordingly, the first and second spring members151,152 permanently interconnect the interior plate 130 and the exteriorplate 160. The first and second spring members 151,152 are dimensionedsuch that they are in tension when the recess light fixture adapter 120is in place in the ceiling 124, in order to keep the recess lightfixture adapter 120 securely in place.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 23, which shows a second alternativeembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according to the presentinvention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220. The secondalternative embodiment recess light fixture adapter 220 is similar tothe preferred embodiment recess light fixture adapter 20 except that theexterior plate 260 further comprises first and second aperture receivingmounts 261,263 secured to the upper surface 264 of the exterior plate260. The first and second apertures 270,272 extend through the first andsecond aperture receiving mounts 261,263, respectively, and not throughthe exterior plate 260. In this manner, the first and second threadedfasteners 251,252 are hidden when the second alternative embodimentrecess light fixture adapter 220 is in place in the ceiling 224, and arecess light fixture (not shown) is in place in the second alternativeembodiment recess light fixture adapter 220. The first and secondaperture reinforcements 246,248, on the interior plate 230 have firstand second threaded apertures 257,258 extend therethrough, respectively,to receive the first and second threaded fasteners 251,252,respectively, therein.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 24, which shows a third alternativeembodiment of the recess light fixture adapter according to the presentinvention, as indicated by general reference numeral 320. The thirdalternative embodiment recess light fixture adapter 320 is similar tothe preferred embodiment recess light fixture adapter 20 except that theexterior plate 360 is decorative in shape, specifically a flower, whichmight be suitable for a kitchen. Other shapes can also be used, such asones that might be suitable for a child's bedroom. Further, at least aportion 361 of the exterior plate 360 is transparent to permit light toshine through the exterior plate 360, and at least a portion 362 of theexterior plate 360 is translucent to make those portions 362 of theexterior plate 360 glow, all for the purpose of making the exteriorplate 360 attractive.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 25 through 37, to describe in detaila fourth alternative embodiment of the recess light fixture adapter ofthe present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 420.The recess light fixture adapter 420, is for mounting a recess lightfixture 422 in an existing ceiling 424 or a wall having an existingover-sized opening 426, and is similar to the preferred embodimentrecess light fixture adapter 20 of the present invention, except thatthe first and second threaded fasteners 51,52 have been replaced, aswill be described subsequently.

Briefly, the preferred embodiment recess light fixture adapter 420comprises interior plate 430 that is disposed behind the ceiling 424,and an exterior plate that is disposed on the outer surface of theceiling 424. First and second posts 451,452 interconnect the interiormember 430 and the exterior member 460. The recess light fixture adapter420 will now be described in detail.

The recess light fixture adapter 420 comprises an interior member formounting against the interior surface of a ceiling 424 or a wall. In thepreferred embodiment, as illustrated, the interior member comprises theinterior plate 430. The interior plate 430 has a perimeter edge 432, anupper surface 434, a lower surface 436, and an interior fixturereceiving aperture 438 disposed therein. The interior fixture receivingaperture 438 is shown as circular in shape, but may also be any othersuitable shape. The recess light fixture 422 that is to be mounted inthe wall or ceiling 424 passes through the interior fixture receivingaperture 438.

The interior plate 430 is flexible, and is preferably made from a strongmaterial such as metal, or perhaps plastic.

The interior plate 430 further comprises a slit 440 defined by first andsecond opposed edges 442,444. The slit 440 extends from the perimeteredge 432 of the interior plate 430 to the interior fixture receivingaperture 438 of the interior plate 430.

The interior plate 430 has first and second slot-shaped apertures457,458 for receiving the co-operating posts 451,452 therein.

The interior plate 430 has concentric first, second and thirdsubstantially circular scores 431,433,435 cut into it, surrounding theinterior fixture receiving aperture 438. Actually, each of thesubstantially circular scores 431,433,435 comprises two substantiallysemi-circular scores separated by small portions of metal. Asillustrated, the interior fixture receiving aperture 438 is three andthree-eighths inches in diameter to receive a recess light fixture fromabout three inches in diameter to about three and three-eighths inchesin diameter. The first score 431 is three and seven-eighths inches indiameter to receive a recess light fixture in the range from about threeand three-eighths inches to about three and seven-eighths inches indiameter, the second score 433 is four and three-eighths inches indiameter to receive a recess light fixture in the range from about threeand seven-eighths inches to about four and three-eighths inches indiameter, and the third score 435 is four and seven-eighths inches indiameter to receive a recess light fixture in the range from about fourand three-eighths inches to about four and seven-eighths inches indiameter.

The recess light fixture adapter 420 also comprises an exterior member460 for mounting against the exterior surface of the ceiling 424. In thepreferred embodiment, as illustrated, the exterior member 460 comprisesthe circular exterior plate 460 that is upwardly concave. The exteriorplate 460 has a perimeter edge 465, an upper surface 464, a lowersurface 466, and an exterior fixture receiving aperture 468 disposedtherein. The exterior fixture receiving aperture 468 is shown ascircular in shape, but may also be any other suitable shape. The recesslight fixture 422 that is to be mounted in the wall or ceiling 424passes through the exterior fixture receiving aperture 468.

The exterior plate 460 has concentric first, second and thirdsubstantially circular score lines 461,462,463 moulded into the uppersurface 464 of the exterior plate 460, so that the score lines thatremain on the exterior plate 460 when it is in place, cannot be seen.The first, second, and third substantially circular score lines461,462,463 surround the exterior fixture receiving aperture 468, andpermit the exterior plate 460 to properly fit any presently know size ofrecess light fixture. As illustrated, the exterior fixture receivingaperture 468 is three and three-eighths inches in diameter to receive arecess light fixture from about three inches in diameter to about threeand three-eighths inches in diameter. The first score line 461 is threeand seven-eighths inches in diameter to receive a recess light fixturein the range from about three and three-eighths inches to about threeand seven-eighths inches in diameter, the second score line 462 is fourand three-eighths inches in diameter to receive a recess light fixturein the range from about three and seven-eighths inches to about four andthree-eighths inches in diameter, and the third score line 463 is fourand seven-eighths inches in diameter to receive a recess light fixturein the range from about four and three-eighths inches to about four andseven-eighths inches in diameter. Alternatively, a hole saw, a sharpknife, or any other suitable tool could be used to cut an aperture of asuitable size.

The score lines 461,462,463 are separated into four quadrants by fourradial score lines 469.

When the interior plate 430 and the exterior plate 460 are in place inthe ceiling 424, the interior fixture receiving aperture 438 of theinterior plate 430 and the exterior fixture receiving aperture 468 ofthe exterior plate 460 are substantially aligned one with the other soas to permit a recess light fixture 422 that is to be mounted in thewall or ceiling 424 to pass therethrough.

There is also means for interconnecting the interior member 430 and theexterior member 460 in clamping relation with respect to the ceiling424. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the means forinterconnecting the interior member 430 and the exterior member 460 inclamping relation comprises the first and second posts 451,452. Thefirst and second posts 451,452 extend upwardly from the exterior plate460. As can be best seen in FIGS. 30, 33, 34 and 37, the posts 451,452comprise two arm portions 451 a,451 b, and 452 a,45 b, respectively, andan end loop portion 451 c,452 c.

In use, as can be best seen in FIG. 25, the interior plate 430 ismounted against the interior surface 424 i of the ceiling 424, in thesame manner as is described for the interior member 30 in the preferredembodiment recess light fixture adapter 20. The exterior plate 460 isthen mounted against the exterior surface 424 e of the ceiling 424. Theinterior fixture receiving aperture 438 and the exterior fixturereceiving aperture 468 must be aligned one with the other. Further, eachof the posts 451,452 of the exterior plate 460 must be aligned with acorresponding one of the first and second slot-shaped apertures 457,458of the interior plate 430. The end loop portion 451 b,452 b of the posts451,452 are compressed as they pass through the first and secondslot-shaped apertures 457,458, and retain the exterior plate 460 inmounted relation to the interior plate 430 before the recess lightfixture 422 is mounted in place.

The recess light fixture 422 is then introduced to the recess lightfixture adapter 420 that has been installed in the over-sized opening426 in the ceiling 424. The two spring arms 423 are pushed inwardlyduring the installation of the recess light fixture 422, and then springoutwardly so as to each be aligned with a corresponding one of theco-operating receiving slots 431 in the interior plate 430.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 38 and 39, which show a fifthalternative embodiment of the interior plate 560 and interior plate 530according to the present invention. The exterior plate 560 has a pair ofplastic posts 570,572. Each post is about two to three inches long, andis ribbed along its length. The slanted ribs are dimensioned justslightly greater than co-operating apertures 557,558 due to deformationupon being forced through the apertures and contact the upper surface534 of the interior plate 530, after expanding, so as to preclude theposts 570,572 from being extracted from the respective apertures557,558. In the event that the exterior plate 560 is made from plastic,the posts 570,572 may be integrally formed with the exterior plate 560.If desired, the posts 570,572 may be otherwise secured to the exteriorplate 560 in a suitable manner.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 40, which shows a sixth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the generalreference numeral 620. In this sixth alternative embodiment, the plasticposts 670,672 are not integrally formed with the exterior plate 660, butare separate. The plastic posts 670,672 has a square head 671,673,respectively that is received within a co-operating recess 661,663defined by two opposed co-planar flanges 662 a,662 b and 664 a,664 bformed on the exterior plate 660.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 41 and 42, which show a seventhalternative embodiment of the present invention, as indicated by thegeneral reference numeral 720. In this seventh alternative embodiment,each post 770,772 is integrally moulded with the exterior plate 760 andattached thereto by means of a living hinge 771,773. Prior to use, eachof the posts 770 is in a stored configuration, disposed against theexterior plate 760, as shown in FIG. 41. For the purpose ofinstallation, each of the posts 770 is in an in-use configuration,flipped up so as to be disposed perpendicularly to the exterior plate760, as shown in FIG. 42.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 43, which shows an eighth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the generalreference numeral 820. In this eighth alternative embodiment, twotorsion spring clips 870 each act as a post. Each torsion spring clip870 has a lower ring-shaped base 871 and a pair of serpentine arms 872a,872 b extending upwardly from the lower ring-shaped base 871 atdiverging orientations. Each of the serpentine arms 872 a,872 bterminates in a transverse end portion 873 a,873 b. The lowerring-shaped base 871 is retained in frictional relation to aco-operating round transversely oriented post on an exterior plate (notshown). In use, the serpentine arms 872 a,872 b are pinched together andthe a transverse end portions 873 a,873 b are inserted through aco-operating aperture in an interior plate (not shown).

Reference will now be made to FIG. 44, which shows an ninth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the generalreference numeral 920. In this ninth alternative embodiment, the torsionspring clip 970 is similar to the torsion spring clip 870 in the eighthalternative embodiment of the present invention, except that the arms972 a,972 b are substantially straight, instead of being serpentine inshape.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 45, which shows an tenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the generalreference numeral 1020. In this tenth alternative embodiment, two leafspring clips 1070 each act as a post. Each leaf spring clip 1070 has atwo oppositely directed feet 1071 a,1071 b and a pair of substantiallyparallel serpentine arms 1072 a,1072 b extending upwardly from theoppositely directed feet 1071 a,1071 b, respectively. The serpentinearms 1072 a,1072 b are joined at the top in a curved end portion 1073.The two oppositely directed feet 1071 a,1071 b are attached to anexterior plate (not shown) within a recess formed by two opposedco-planar flanges (not shown).

Reference will now be made to FIG. 46, which shows an eleventhalternative embodiment of the present invention, as indicated by thegeneral reference numeral 1120. In this eleventh alternative embodiment,each post comprises a “Christmas clip” 1170. Each “Christmas clip” 1170has a central post portion 1171 and a plurality of thin bristles 1172extending transversely outwardly from the central post portion 1171. Thediameter of the central post portion 1171 is slightly smaller than aco-operating aperture in an interior plate (not shown) and the overalloutside diameter of the “Christmas clip” 1170 across the ends of theplurality of thin bristles 1172 is larger than the co-operating aperturein an interior plate. In this manner, the plurality of thin bristles1172 retain the “Christmas clip” 1170 in an interior plate.

It should also be noted that when installing a recess light fixture, theexterior plate could be used to cover a hole that has been mistakenlycut slightly too large for the recess light fixture.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those whoare knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further,other modifications and alterations may be used in the design andmanufacture of the recess light fixture adapter of the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

As can be understood from the above description and from theaccompanying drawings, the present invention provides a recess lightfixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture into an existingceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening, especiallywherein another recess light fixture has been removed from the opening,which recess light fixture adapter is easy to install, is inexpensive tomanufacture, and precludes the reconstruction of a plaster ceiling, allof which features are unknown in the prior art.

1. A recess light fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture inan existing ceiling or a wall having an existing over-sized opening,said recess light fixture adapter comprising: an interior member formounting against the interior surface of a ceiling or a wall; anexterior member for mounting against the exterior surface of a ceilingor a wall; and, means for interconnecting said interior member and saidexterior member with respect to said ceiling or a wall.
 2. The recesslight fixture adapter of claim 1, wherein said interior member comprisesan interior plate having a perimeter edge, an upper surface, and a lowersurface.
 3. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 2, wherein saidinterior plate has an interior fixture receiving aperture disposedtherein.
 4. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 3, wherein saidinterior plate is flexible.
 5. The recess light fixture adapter of claim4, wherein said interior plate is made from metal.
 5. The recess lightfixture adapter of claim 4, wherein said interior plate is made fromplastic.
 6. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 4, wherein saidinterior plate further comprises a slit defined by first and secondopposed edges, and wherein said slit extends from said perimeter edge ofsaid interior plate to said interior fixture receiving aperture of saidinterior plate.
 7. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 6, whereinsaid interior plate further comprises first and second threadedapertures for receiving co-operating threaded fasteners therein.
 8. Therecess light fixture adapter of claim 7, wherein said interior platefurther comprises first and second aperture reinforcements secured tosaid interior plate, and said first and second apertures extend throughsaid first and second aperture reinforcements, respectively.
 9. Therecess light fixture adapter of claim 1, wherein said exterior membercomprises an exterior plate having a perimeter edge, an upper surface,and a lower surface.
 10. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 9,wherein said exterior plate has an exterior fixture receiving aperturedisposed therein.
 11. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 10,wherein said exterior plate comprises first and second apertures thereinfor receiving co-operating threaded fasteners therethrough.
 12. Therecess light fixture adapter of claim 11, wherein said exterior plate iscircular.
 13. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 1, wherein saidexterior plate is decorative in shape.
 14. The recess light fixtureadapter of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of said exterior plateis translucent.
 15. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 13,wherein at least a portion of said exterior plate is transparent. 16.The recess light fixture adapter of claim 1, wherein said means forinterconnecting said interior member and said exterior member inclamping relation comprises first and second threaded fasteners.
 17. Therecess light fixture adapter of claim 1, wherein said means forinterconnecting said interior member and said exterior member withrespect to said ceiling or a wall, interconnects said interior memberand said exterior member in clamping relation with respect to saidceiling or a wall.
 18. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 1,wherein said means for interconnecting said interior member and saidexterior member in clamping relation comprises first and second springmembers.
 19. The recess light fixture adapter of claim 9, wherein saidexterior plate further comprises first and second aperture receivingmounts secured to the upper surface of said exterior plate, and saidfirst and second apertures extend through said first and second aperturereceiving mounts, respectively.
 20. A method of mounting a recess lightfixture in an existing ceiling or a wall, said method comprising thesteps of: (A) mounting an interior member against the interior surfaceof a ceiling or a wall; (B) mounting an exterior member against theexterior surface of a ceiling or a wall; and (C) interconnecting saidinterior member and said exterior member in clamping relation withrespect to said ceiling or a wall.